Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

Wolf's bane

(Aconitum napellus napellus)

galery
en

Description

“Pet poisonous” – Toxic parts: roots, foliage and seeds Aconitum Napellus: The Monkshood Aconitum napellus, commonly known as Monkshood or Wolfsbane, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. The plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is well-known for its showy, blue-purple flowers and its toxic nature. Despite its poisonous nature, the plant has been used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine for centuries. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics, uses, and toxic nature of Aconitum napellus. Description Aconitum napellus is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 1-1.5 meters in height. It has a thick, fleshy rootstock that is dark brown or black in color. The plant has multiple stems that arise from the rootstock, which are erect, robust, and cylindrical. The leaves are deeply lobed and arranged alternately on the stem, with a dark green color on the upper surface and a lighter green color on the underside. The flowers of Aconitum napellus are typically blue-purple in color, although they can also be pink or white. They are hood-shaped, which is how the plant got its common name, Monkshood. The flowers bloom in mid to late summer and are highly attractive to pollinators. Distribution and Habitat Aconitum napellus is native to Europe and Asia, including the Himalayas, and is commonly found in meadows, woodland clearings, and rocky slopes. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and is often found at high elevations. Uses Despite its toxic nature, Aconitum napellus has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fevers, rheumatism, and neuralgia. The plant contains several alkaloids, including aconitine, which have potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Aconitum napellus has also been used as a topical analgesic for sore muscles and joints. In addition to its medicinal uses, Aconitum napellus has been used in gardening for its attractive flowers. It is often used in perennial borders and rock gardens to add a splash of color to the landscape. The plant is relatively easy to grow, although it does require well-drained soil and partial shade. Toxicity Aconitum napellus is considered one of the most toxic plants in the world. All parts of the plant, including the roots, leaves, and flowers, contain potent toxins, including aconitine, mesaconitine, and jesaconitine. These toxins can cause severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, dizziness, and cardiac arrhythmia. Ingesting even a small amount of the plant can be fatal. The toxicity of Aconitum napellus has led to it being used historically as a poison, both in hunting and as a weapon in war. In conclusion, Aconitum napellus, also known as Monkshood or Wolfsbane, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. Despite its poisonous nature, the plant has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It has also been used in gardening for its attractive flowers. However, it is important to handle this plant with care due to its toxicity.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum:
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order:Ranunculales
Family:Ranunculaceae
Genus:Aconitum
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